wisdom of God alone, that enlightens us."

"True, my son," said his Father, "may God always remind you of this.
I am going to speak to Elizabeth," he added, "as for you, my
children, do not say a word about it, and above all, bless the Lord,
for having made known to you his grace and holy law. Pray to him
together, that my words may have their due effect upon the mind of
this poor guilty creature."

The Father went out to look for Elizabeth, and the children repaired
to William's room, who, having knelt down with them, prayed to the
Lord to take pity upon her, and to touch her heart, and he ended the
prayer in the following words:--"In thy great wisdom, O Most Gracious
God, and in thine infinite compassion, through Jesus Christ, grant
unto each of us true repentance, and a sincere change of heart, and
may this affliction be turned to the glory of our Saviour Jesus."

The children then returned to their several occupations, and not one
of them ever thought of judging Elizabeth, or even speaking harshly
of her.

We may add, that the exhortation of her charitable master, produced
sincere penitence in Elizabeth, and that the poor girl was not sent
out of the house; for "mercy pleaded against judgment."

It is thus that God deals with us! Oh! which of us can tell how
often he has received pardon from the Lord!